Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most serious complications of chronic diabetes mellitus and is the leading cause of blindness in working-age populations. Large, randomized studies have demonstrated the benefits of systemic and ocular therapy in the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The process of angiogenesis plays a critical role in the development of diabetic complications. VEGF is part of the angiogenic process and gives rise to retinal neovascularizations, which are part of the proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Various types of anti-VEGF drugs for the treatment of diabetic macular edema are currently being tested in ongoing clinical trials. Recently published prospective studies addressing the impact of anti-VEGF drugs on diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy showed the clinical effects of these drugs and uncovered possible adverse effects. Herein we present a review on therapy of diabetic retinopathy with a special focus on anti-VEGF therapy.
Keywords: Angiogenesis; VEGF; antibodies; clinical trials; diabetic retinopathy.